Conformal pressure transducer

ABSTRACT

A transducer for converting pressure changes into electrical signals wherein the pressure changes act on one surface of a relatively thin wall, such as pressure changes within a tube. A piston means on one end of a transducer housing and integral therewith has a contoured end surface conforming to the other surface of the wall opposite the surface on which pressure changes act. When the pressure changes are within a tube, for example within a cartridge casing in ammunition testing, the contoured end surface is concave. Piezoelectric crystal elements rigidly positioned within the transducer are deformed when pressure is applied through the wall to the contoured end surface of the piston means, and an output electrical signal is produced proportional to the applied pressure. Installation of the transducer in a test body is facilitated by a captive retaining nut rotatably connected on the transducer housing and having external threads for connecting in the test body. An alignment guide is carried by the transducer and engages the test body in a manner providing precise rotational alignment and permitting depth adjustment of the contoured end surface.



